Efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of vulval lichen planus.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of aloe vera gel and placebo in the topical management of vulval lichen planus.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Department of Dermatology, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from January 2007 to January 2008.


METHODS
Thirty-four female patients were randomized into two groups to receive aloe vera gel or placebo for local application for 8 weeks. Clinical data and treatment response was graded according to Thongprasom criteria. Z-test was used for comparing response between the groups.


RESULTS
Thirty-four consecutive patients participated in the study. We found erosive and ulcerative lesions in 83% and 17%, respectively. The most common site of vulval lichen planus was the labia minora. Fourteen (82%) out of 17 patients treated with aloe vera had a good response i.e. clinically improved by at least 50% after 8 weeks of treatment, while one (5%) of 17 placebo-treated patients had a similar response (p < 0.001). Furthermore, one patient (5%) treated with aloe vera had a complete clinical remission. No side-effects were found in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Aloe vera gel was a safe and effective treatment for patients with vulval lichen planus.
Rajar
Uzma D M
UD
Department of Dermatology, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Sindh. uzmarajar@yahoo.com
Majeed
Rehana
R
Parveen
Naheed
N
Sheikh
Imran
I
Sushel
Champa
C
D000504:Aloe; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology